Cardio Queen Turned Fitness Competitor

Harriet is a Board-Certified Physician, Published Fitness Model, Professional Fitness Competitor, Vegan Nutrition Consultant, Fitness, Health & Wellness Blogger, wife and a mother! She shares her story hoping to positively inspire someone to make a change in their own lifestyle…

What is your name and age?

Dr. Harriet Davis (43)

What inspired you to get fit?

I have always strived to live a fit & healthy lifestyle. Prior to turning 40, I was able to maintain a fit physique by running. I have been a distance runner since high school. Despite my healthy lifestyle and plant-based diet, I started to notice changes in my body that were not typical of the past. I began to notice less muscle definition in my legs (and more adipose tissue). So after many attempts to get back “in shape” (and running-induced injuries), I became frustrated. In December of 2012, I decided to hire a vegan nutritionist and a personal trainer!

What keeps you motivated to live the healthy life?

My motivation is the same as my purpose in life…to encourage others to be active, to inspire optimal health and well-being, and to strive to make a difference in someone’s life daily!

What time of the day do you workout and why?

Because I am an IFBB (International Federation of BodyBuilding) Pro bikini competitor, I workout twice a day. But, mornings are my favorite time of day to exercise because it gives me the energy and positive mindset for the day.

How do you balance life, work, training and family?

I am able to balance my career, family, and fitness due to the support of my husband and my son. My husband preps all of my meals and keeps my schedule straight. He is simply amazing! My son is very understanding with regards to my schedule. However, he makes sure I take time out for “family time” at least once a week. Just having these things in place help relieve a lot of stress because I work full time. And it helps me tremendously to have a family that supports me!

What do you for fun?

I enjoy traveling. I am also a movie buff so I 2-3 new movies a month! And I love to exercise.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in fitness?

One of the biggest misconceptions with regards to women in fitness is that weight training makes a women look bulking and masculine. I am a 100% vegan bodybuilder so the biggest misconception I deal with is that vegans can’t build muscle because we don’t get enough protein.

What is your favorite body part to exercise?

My favorite body parts to train are my legs. I have been a distance runner for most of my life. As a result, when I started training, my glutes, thighs, and hamstrings were the muscle groups that were less defined. Over the past year, my greatest transformation has been I this area so I have learned to embrace “LEG DAY!”

If you had to pick three key exercises – what would they be and why?

Cardio: because I am a cardio addict.

Pull-ups: they help strengthen my core and bring out my abs.

Plyometrics: because it’s a quick way to work lots of leg muscles.

If you compete, what excites you the most about competing?

I love meeting new people! The new friendships and acquaintances have become my favorite thing about competing. It is so nice to sit backstage and talk with other competitors while waiting for your division to be judged. Bikini is usually one of the last divisions to go on stage. This allows for a great deal of time to sit and “chat” with other competitors.

What is the best advice you can give someone that is considering entering the competition arena?

When considering whether competing is right for you, it is important to do your research and determine what this really means. Then consider hiring a trainer or reaching out to a more experienced competitor in the industry to help guide you in the ins and outs of competing.

What are the three things you always have in your gym bag?

1. Weight belt

2. Gloves

3. Towel

What is your favorite cheat “treat”?

Roasted and unsalted cashews mixed with raisins!

15. Anything else you would like us to know?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Perhaps reading my feature will help others evaluate their lives. Hopefully my story will positively inspire someone to make a change in their own lifestyle.